Which of the following best defines ecosystem resilience?

Ecosystem resilience is primarily defined as the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances, such as natural disasters, human impact, or changing environmental conditions. This recovery capability is crucial for maintaining the stability and sustainability of ecosystems over time. Resilience implies that even after undergoing significant stress or disruption, the ecosystem can return to its original state or adapt to new conditions, effectively minimizing long-term damage and preserving its functions.

The other options focus on different aspects of ecological health or dynamics. The capacity for species to thrive in urban areas pertains more to urban ecology rather than resilience itself. The level of pollution in an ecosystem indicates its health but does not directly define the resilience of the system. Lastly, the variety of species in a given area relates to biodiversity, which can contribute to resilience but does not define it on its own. Therefore, the ability to recover from environmental disturbances succinctly captures the essence of ecosystem resilience.